Don’t overlook these Oklahoma City museums

Oklahoma City serves as a center of many things, but an area you might have overlooked is its variety of niche museums. Known for national standouts like the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, First Americans Museum and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the city also boasts a collective of smaller local gems.

OKC Rattlesnake & Venom Museum – Showcasing some of Oklahoma’s most thrilling animals, this museum provides education and entertainment, daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring venomous rattlesnakes, lizards and more.

Oklahoma Museum of Telephone History – This downtown museum highlights historical telephones from switchboards to dial-up phones, dating back to 1900, alongside modern technologies.

99’s Museum of Women Pilots – Preserving the history of women in aviation, this museum highlights professional and personal accomplishments of some of the country’s most courageous pilots.

The American Pigeon Museum & Library – Located on the city’s northeast side, this museum collects memorabilia on one of America’s eldest messengers, the pigeon. The museum reflects on the impact of pigeons and their reputation as “man’s oldest feathered friend.”

American Banjo Museum – More than 400 instruments, recordings, films and more make up this museum. The venue regularly holds exhibitions to help promote and preserve the instrument's influence on America and beyond.